playing hardball
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Agencies are just looking to squeeze down that fee, and they’re playing hardball to try and cut the rate that Trade Desk is charging them,” said Luke Stillman, managing director of Madison and Wall.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 27, 2026
Still, he wasn’t surprised to see business leaders start playing hardball.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
More than most EU countries, France has been playing hardball in pre-summit negotiations.
From BBC ● May 17, 2025
But to Ms. Ewen, a 35-year veteran of business reporting, the episode shows that the industry is trying to divert attention from real problems — and that some members are playing hardball.
From New York Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
House leaders are increasingly playing hardball with the rogue lawmakers.
From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2021
